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IDEAS Integrated Dynamic Design and Analysis Platform

To account for the wide range of formations worldwide, our rock library comprises a broad catalog of samples collected from customers' fields including shale, sandstone, carbonates, evaporates, metamorphic granite, and basalt rock types. Our rock mechanics lab provides scrape and insert indentation tests that enable the IDEAS platform to simulate any bit type, ensuring accurate modeling of bit-to-rock interaction. The scrape tests—performed with PDC cutters on rock samples—replicate the shearing mechanism on PDC bits, enabling us to build a full spectrum of cutter shearing models used in bit designs. Insert indentation tests allow us to capture the bit-to-rock interaction of TCI roller cone bits by measuring the loads required to penetrate the rocks at various depths.

Achieve high drilling performance with a selection of design methods

Once drilling objectives are determined, we incorporate the simulations by conducting studies using one of the three primary methods:

Standard. In development wells that require minimal adjustments, we use proven drillbit designs and enhance it through selective feature changes such as gauge pad geometry, managed depth-of-cut, and backup cutters. Using interactive drillbit design customization, we simulate multiple bit runs and evaluate the modifications in real time for instant feedback, reducing delivery time from bit conception to the rig site.

Intermediate. If the ideal bit type exhibited excellent performance in similar applications to the target well, an analysis is created to evaluate how other bits would perform in that formation in comparison to the baseline product. Once the optimized design is developed, additional studies are conducted using the standard-tier method.

Complex. In deep water or exploration wells with minimal offset information, drilling performance can be difficult to predict. To ensure that a new drill bit design will meet customers' objectives, design changes are made to the primary cutting structure, altering the position or shape of the bit's primary cutting elements. Then, we create new cutting structure layouts and compare them to the baseline product’s performance by evaluating simulation outputs.

IDEAS Platform
Simulates Full Drillstring

IDEAS platform delivers a true understanding of the the dynamics of the rock-cutter interface for designing and building bits that set high performance standards around the world. Download brochure (0.45 MB PDF)